Injury ends Vesnina's bid

Elena Vesnina's Hobart International title defence came to a disappointing end after she was forced to retire with a hip injury.

Vesnina, the No 3 seed, was trailing 4-6 6-2 4-1 against Estrella Cabeza Candela when she decided she was unable to continue.

Vesnina, who was forced to miss the ASB Classic in Auckland with an ankle injury, wrote on Twitter: "Tried my best, but injury got worst during the match. Thank you @HobartTennis for warm welcome. And hope to see u next year. Off to Melbourne."

Fellow seeds Samantha Stosur and Kirsten Flipkens both survived scares to reach the next round.